PIUS XI HALL OF FAME
Pius XI Catholic High School is seeking nominations for its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional athletic achievement during their time at Pius XI, strong character, and continued involvement in athletics or community service.
Candidates must be graduates of at least 10 years.
Please submit detailed nomination letters highlighting the individual's athletic accomplishments, leadership qualities, and post-graduation achievements to the Athletic Director by March 1, 2026. Include statistical records, news clippings, and other supporting documentation when possible. Help us honor those who have contributed to Pius XI's rich athletic tradition.
Nominate 2027 Inductees
99 ALL-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS!
Welcome Class of 2026!
Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame Honorees
The Pius XI Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates individuals and teams whose dedication, leadership, and achievements have shaped the legacy of Pius XI athletics. This year’s inductees reflect excellence across generations and sports.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Mary Riegert ’66
It’s a good day for a run! A beloved coach and mentor, Mary Riegert led the Girls Cross Country program for more than 40 years, building a culture rooted in perseverance, faith, and community. Her program emphasized both individual growth and team success, leaving a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes.
Elizabeth “Liz” Chudy Lawrence ’01
A nine-letter varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and volleyball, Liz distinguished herself as a leader and elite competitor. Her accomplishments include being a part of State Championship teams, multiple All-State honors, and a collegiate career at UW–Milwaukee. She continues to give back to the sport through coaching and mentorship.
Sonja Zoric Burton ’07
A standout in volleyball and track and field, Sonja was a State Champion in shot put and a school record-holder in both shot put and discus. A six-letter varsity athlete, she is one of the school’s most accomplished throwers.
1995 Girls Softball Team
The 1995 team captured the WISAA Division I State Championship with an unforgettable postseason run. Defined by resilience, teamwork, and clutch performances, their title-winning season remains one of the most celebrated in program history.
Special Recognition: Title IX Impact Award
This special honor recognizes the pioneering women who contributed to Pius XI athletics before formal girls’ teams were established. These groups and organizations created meaningful opportunities for involvement and helped lay the foundation for girls’ athletics.
Their initiative, visibility, and commitment helped shape the culture of Pius XI athletics and expanded opportunities for future generations of student-athletes.
– Megan A. Maze
2026 Inductees
Liz Chudy '01
Sonja Zoric '07
1995 Girls Softball Team
Mary Riegert '66
2025 Inductees
Kevin Kehoss '91 - Baseball Coach
Ron Hayek '64
John Hansen '70
Ed Garrett '82
Alex Krauska
Honorary Recognition
1989 Girls Volleyball Team
2015 Girls Basketball Team
Mission Statement:
To honor notable past Pius XI athletic program participants, teams, coaches, to exemplify role models for the current student athletes, and to renew the Pius XI spirit that was established during the years of active participation.
Eligibility:
Eligibility shall be based primarily upon the exceptional, active participation in the athletic programs of the Pius XI High School. Eligibility shall not begin until ten years after a student nominee has graduated from Pius, or ten years after the beginning of coaching or service to the Pius XI athletics. Nominees for the following categories will be considered eligible.
Qualifications:
A. Athletes - These individuals shall be chosen on the basis of notable achievements, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contribution (while they were Pius XI students) to the team or teams on which the participants played along with their contribution to the Pius XI community in general.
B. Teams - These group awards shall be based upon the same standards of excellence that qualify individual inductees, especially superior and exemplary achievements as a team.
C. Coaches - These individuals who have contributed selflessly (as coaches) to the advancement of their team, while illustrating commendable leadership and motivational capabilities in pursuit of “Pius XI Excellence”.
D. Special - Those individuals who have performed outstanding meritorious service in the advancement of the Pius XI athletic programs.
PIUS XI HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Davidson, Kathy
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2007
Drexler, Ed
1944
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2001
Ferrie, Patty
1977
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2001
Heft, Jenny
1996
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2010
DeNomie, James
1961
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2008
Elger, Allan
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2012
Fischer, Dick
1961
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2001
Herrick, Scott
1975
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2001
Dentinger, Ron
1960
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2007
Fehrenbach, Kurt
1984
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2017
Garrot, George
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2000
Jones, Dan
1969
CLASS OF
YEAR INDUCTED
2016
Special thanks to
Tom Schreiner (73)
Pius XI Athletic Historian
Pius XI Athletics not only focuses on improving overall athleticism, skill, strength, and speed, but also bettering the athlete as a person.
GO POPES!
